My ideas
Horizontal retractable insect screens Tracks can also be fitted horizontally, which lets screens slide across wider openings then retract inconspicuously to one or both sides when not in use. Freedom Retractable Screens of Australia fitted this home on Queensland’s Gold Coast with retractable flyscreens that make use of a pillar-less system, to minimise disruption to the tranquil view.
920 bench height or more? raised washing machine Benches aren’t the only things that could do with a raise – front- loading appliances benefit from a lift to save you from crouching uncomfortably at floor level when loading and unloading them. Some newer front loaders have drums that are positioned higher in the machine’s frame. Generally, 750 to 1000 millimetres is a comfortable height. In this galley-style laundry in Double Bay, Sydney, Dan Kitchens Australia has cleverly raised the Miele washing machine and dryer off the floor by integrating them into the joinery.
ntegrated designs that swivel smoothly back into your joinery and fold-out ironing boards like this one can change all that. They are usually more stable, offer a streamlined look when they’re hidden away and free up tall storage space – no more wrestling with freestanding cumbersome ironing boards. Locate power boards appropriately
tv and appliance storage in laundry. l have a combination of deep and shallow drawers, tall and short cupboards and plenty of hanging space. But you may also want to include wall-mounted bike hooks, open shelving for small gardening implements, a tall cupboard for spades and tools, space to store large suitcases, or room for the kids’ scooters and kites. Tip: Take inspiration from this Perth laundry and add a speaker or TV to liven up your time spent washing and folding.
Wall-mounted accordion-style drying racks that fold out when in use are also great space savers. Like most in-built drying systems, they put their flimsy fold-up wire cousins to shame and are available in countless designs to suit different decors. Just be sure not to mount them much higher than 1500 millimetres or you’ll be straining to reach the back rungs.
4. Select a deep, wide sink… and the right tap Regardless of whether you choose a single- or double-bowl laundry sink, the most important thing is that it’s deep and wide. This stainless-steel butler’s or farmhouse sink has only one bowl but it’s large enough to fit bulky buckets for soaking clothes. Farmhouse sinks have the ergonomic bonus of letting you get closer to the bowl because there is no bench separating you from the rim of the sink. Consider a laundry tap with a flexible hose and pull-out spray nozzle such as the one pictured here. If you only have room for a small sink, try mounting your tap at a far corner of the sink instead of in the centre at the back, and opt for swivel models that you can rotate out of the way. Tip: If space allows, incorporate pull-out flat drying racks like the ones pictured above to dry woollens and knits.Clothing storage bag under the bench top
Solution: Go for warmth Look at the temperature of light bulbs, which is measured in kelvins and is marked on the packaging. Light globes of 2000-3000K will give you a warm white light, perfect for a cosy kitchen. Opt for low-glare styles. A good mix of indirect (or ambient) lighting paired with task lights for prep zones will set a practical yet welcoming tone in the kitchen. Having them on separate dimmable switches makes it easy to alter the mood when cooking or relaxing. Tip: Be wary of shiny benchtops that can reflect glare back at you
crimsafe screens and other Retractable insect screens work in a similar way to roller blinds and usually feature a spring-loaded system that neatly rolls the mesh back into its frame when not in use. Retractable screens are often the best option if you need mosquito netting for apartment balconies or patio enclosures. These designs can withstand wet weather and you can often choose from standard strength mesh or heavy-duty aluminium. In this balcony, hidden screens have been fitted vertically to slide up and down on tracks that blend invisibly into the verandah’s pillars.
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